Carrying the Torch: Why I’m Running for the CSCCa Board of Directors

I’m honored to share that I’ve been nominated to the ballot for the upcoming election to the Board of Directors for the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa). It’s humbling and low-key energizing to be considered for a role that would allow me to serve the organization that has given so much to me—and to thousands of coaches like me across the country.

Let me be clear, this is personal.

What the CSCCa Has Meant to Me

Since the start of my career, during the earliest of 2000's, the CSCCa has provided structure, purpose, and professionalism. It gave me a certification that represented more than just technical knowledge—it symbolized commitment and integrity. The CSCCa created a community where college strength coaches, no matter their title or background, could find mentorship, guidance, and a shared identity.

What I appreciate most about the CSCCa is that it never pretended this profession is easy. It honors the long-term commitment necessary for success and longevity in the field and industry. It respects the roots. And it challenges us to meet the highest standard, not just in the weight room, but in how we show up as professionals, leaders, and human beings.

The Shoulders I Stand On: Dr. Stiggins and Coach Mannie

I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the towering influence of two men who helped shape not just the CSCCa, but my own philosophy as a strength coach.

Dr. Chuck Stiggins, the founder of the CSCCa, set the tone for what this organization could be. His vision—rooted in integrity and professional excellence—created something bigger than a certification body. It became a home. Dr. Stiggins emphasized mentorship, character, and protecting the heart of the profession. Without his efforts, the collegiate strength and conditioning world might look very different today.

And then there’s Ken Mannie, long-time Director of Strength and Conditioning at Michigan State University. Coach Mannie was a firebrand—relentless, principled, and fierce in his protection of the field. His writings and speeches didn’t just inspire me—they steeled me. He reminded all of us that the job is not to chase trends but to stand firm in what matters: discipline, resilience, and the power of relationships. He was/is THE example for coaches trying to balance old-school work ethic with the evolving demands of the modern athlete.

These men taught me that this profession is sacred work. It’s not just about squats and sets—it’s about shaping people.

What I’d Focus on as a Board Member

If elected, I don’t intend to just “fill a seat.” I want to serve. I want to build. And I want to pay forward what others poured into me.

Here are several key areas I’d champion:

1. Supporting the Young Coach
This profession can eat its young. I want to help create more infrastructure around mentorship, networking, and professional development—especially for interns and newly certified coaches. I believe every young coach deserves access to clear career paths, real feedback, and opportunities to grow both technically and emotionally.

2. Preserving the Standards that Matter
In a time where anyone can call themselves a "coach" with a weekend certification and an Instagram handle, the CSCCa has a duty to protect the integrity of this profession. I’ll advocate for continued rigor in certification and accountability, because standards don’t restrict us—they define us.

3. Evolving with Intention
The field is changing—technology, sport science, and athlete wellness are evolving fast. I want to help the CSCCa modernize intelligently, by integrating tools and knowledge that serve the coach and athlete, without losing our core identity.

4. Creating More Pathways for Female and Minority Coaches
Representation matters. We need more visibility, support, and structured opportunities for female coaches and coaches from diverse backgrounds. This isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for the future of our field.

5. Building Community That Lasts
The CSCCa should feel like family. I want to strengthen the bonds between members—through regional meetups, digital communities, and shared resources. We are stronger together, and I want to help make that connection feel tangible year-round, not just at the national conference.

Why I’m Running

I’m running because I believe in this work. Because I believe in the next generation of coaches. Because I’ve benefited from mentors who gave more than they took.

And because it’s my turn to do the same.

To every young coach who’s trying to find their way, to every veteran who wants to leave a legacy, and to everyone who believes that strength and conditioning is more than just a job—I see you, and I’m ready to serve.

Let’s carry the torch forward. Together.